2021 has been a busy year for climate catastrophes. Raging wildfires, withering heat waves, deadly flooding, and Hurricane Ida’s path of destruction from South Louisiana to New York City. Despite all the science and never-ending feed of disaster headlines, progress on climate policy is nearly impossible to find in the Deep Red South. Although the South is more vulnerable to climate change than any other US region, most of the region’s voters elect leaders who ignore, deny, or downplay the climate crisis.
It’s especially bad here in Alabama.
The overwhelming majority of our elected leaders—from the governor, to the state legislature, to our federal representatives—have massively failed to lead on climate. Alabama has no plan for adapting to climate change. There’s not even a plan for a plan. Instead, the state’s leaders have chosen to leave Alabama’s people, infrastructure, and natural resources vulnerable to the greatest existential crisis humanity has ever faced.
History will not judge Alabama’s leaders kindly for this. Especially those who obstinately maintain ill-informed or just plain whacky views on the climate crisis. For decades, they and other conservative climate-deniers have voiced scientifically unsupported explanations for why there is no climate crisis, or if there is, why humans are not to blame for it. As was made abundantly clear in a recent exposé of a top ExxonMobil lobbyist, their arguments were crafted by the masters of marketing on the payrolls of fossil fuel corporations that knew the climate crisis was a serious threat decades ago. Even if some of our elected leaders were misled, they are guilty of ignoring the overwhelmingly thorough science proving beyond any reasonable doubt that earth’s climate is changing rapidly.
With such bleak prospects in Alabama and other red states for responsible political leadership on the climate crisis, many citizens to feel powerless. Their common refrain is “there’s nothing I can do,” and they adopt a mindset of resignation and passivity.
When I hear these sentiments, I answer with “Because we live in Alabama, we must do something about climate change.”
Here’s what I mean…
First, the new climate is already pummeling the Southeast: Our deadly mix of rising heat and high humidity. Wild swings between abnormally wet and dry years. Coastal flooding and land loss. The upsurge in hurricane strength and frequency.
Like elsewhere in the world, climate impacts are harming the region’s black, brown, and poor communities more than whiter and wealthier communities. Those affected most are the least responsible for the crisis (their per capita carbon emissions are much lower). Thus, the climate crisis is an existential crisis and a morality crisis.
Finally, as the epicenter for southeastern biodiversity, Alabama is home to thousands of species threatened by the rapidly changing climate. These species contribute to the ecosystems sustaining much of Alabama’s culture and economy. If the climate crisis intensifies much further, we’ll see new waves of extinctions sweep across the state.
For all these reasons we should do everything possible to minimize additional climate change and prepare for the climate change that is already unavoidable.
How do we do this in conservative states like Alabama?
It begins with understanding the importance of lifestyle change versus systemic change.
There’s a long, squalid, and well-documented history of blaming us as consumers for environmental problems, including and especially the climate crisis. Yes, consumers deserve some of the blame. And yes, flying and driving less, eating less meat, and similar measures can greatly reduce our personal contribution to the climate crisis. But lifestyle adjustments should be a secondary concern right now.
The emphasis on the personal guilt and responsibility of the consumer has deflected our attention from the root causes of our crisis—the systems we have built over the past century. Energy and food production. Transportation and manufacturing. Water use and waste disposal. These systems have grown with little to no concern about climate impacts, even during recent decades when the science on climate change was clear.
Consequently, we are in the most critical decade yet for humanity. The climate crisis is accelerating towards challenging our ability to prosper in the coming decades and centuries to come. To avoid this, we must greatly reduce carbon emissions by 2030. That’s little more than 8 years from now.
The only way to meet these carbon reduction goals is through systemic change. We need a transition to clean energy production and a smart energy grid. We need to shift from a wasteful linear economy to a circular economy. We need regenerative agriculture and the adoption of water efficiency and conservation.
Systemic changes like these are the only way we can ensure a prosperous future for humanity and nature. Lifestyle choices to reduce our individual impacts won’t be enough. Even if everyone went on a severe carbon diet, the background systems sustaining us would still pack the atmosphere with enough carbon to catastrophically change the earth. We will need to shift our lifestyles in the coming years to ensure that we live sustainably on earth, but systemic change must be our top priority right now.
So how, then, do we cause systemic change?
We do this through collective action—working together to create a better future than the one we are getting.
Here in Alabama and other red states, climate-woke citizens must come together and make change happen. No one else will do it for us—neither the conservative politicians dominating state government, nor the special interest groups who emplaced them there through campaign financing. These beneficiaries and defenders of the status quo have had ample opportunity to act. Their position is clear.
Nor should we wait for help from the federal government. Even once Washington D.C. creates programs to help states transition to a clean energy economy and adapt to climate change, Alabama and other red states can still push back by refusing to participate, slow-walking progress, or fighting mandates in court.
Such resistance is likely.
There is a centuries-long practice of southern politicians opposing so-called “governmental overreach.” It’s roots began with the defense of chattel slavery, and persists today in the form of resistance to programs like Medicaid expansion. So, even if federal programs or mandates are created to move the nation towards climate-smart infrastructure and economy, southern state governments may be uncooperative, if not combative. Unless…
Unless there is enough demand for climate action through collective action. We can force action on climate by demanding that our leaders do the right thing. We can shame our leaders when they put special interests ahead of the best interests of the people. We can elect representatives who will do what’s smart and right. We can work with non-profit organizations and businesses in our community to demonstrate how we should be living with each other, nature, and the climate.
Is it realistic that collective efforts in Alabama and other red states could lead to climate action?
Yes. Polling by Yale University in 2020 found that 7 in 10 Alabamians believe climate change is happening. 56% of Alabamians worry about climate change and 61% believe it will harm future generations. Similar numbers of state residents would support policies such as a carbon tax to address the climate crisis. These are already majorities of the citizenry, and these numbers are rising.
Collective action on climate doesn’t need to start from scratch in Alabama. A network of organizations across the state is already working to build a better future, and there’s room in their ranks for you. Some are new, some are old. Some are local, some are national. Some focus on people, some on nature, some on both. All are working towards the same goal—a safe and prosperous future for everyone.
For those not yet convinced that they can make a difference in Alabama or other conservative-leaning states, consider this lesson from our civil rights history…
By prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 may be the most important legislation ever signed into law. Passage of the act would have been impossible without the heroics of southern black activists during the century after the American Civil War. They persisted despite racist Jim Crow laws, bullying, beatings, lynchings, and riots. And they persisted even though the odds of success seemed mighty slim for many decades. Had they given up, the civil liberties codified by the Civil Rights Acts would have been delayed for years, if not decades. Similar things will likely be said about those working for action during these early years of the climate crisis.
I don’t want to mislead anyone—there is a lot of difficult work ahead to get Alabama on the right path. It’s going to be an epic journey. But meaningful progress for humanity begins with daring to envision the future we want, then joining with others to bring that vision into reality.
And when you choose to get involved, be ready for the perks! Collective action is a powerful antidote to eco-anxiety and doomism. You will cultivate a richer appreciation of your community, and delight in working with new friends to build a better future.
How to get started? Below are my tips on how to find a climate action or environmental justice group to work with. And under that is a list of groups in Alabama working on climate action and/or environmental justice.
Don’t delay—this is an all-hands-on-deck moment for humanity. We need you right now.
How to get Involved
You can find many tips online for how to get involved with local groups pushing for positive change on climate and other issues. There’s been a recent proliferation of websites devoted to social justice activism, and that advice applies to environmental justice, climate justice, environmental, and climate groups. Below is some advice from me that could be particularly useful for those just beginning.
- Find a group to work with. Reach out to others you know who are already doing civic engagement on the climate crisis. They may know of groups focused on the climate crisis in some way. There are websites such as Idealist that connect people to organizations in your area. Or, search social media or the internet for groups working on the climate crisis in your area, region, or state. Remember that much of the work being done isn’t identified as climate activism. For example, work to reduce homelessness also helps reduce vulnerability to climate impacts. Also, be aware that many groups don’t advertise that their work is related to climate activism to avoid drawing unwanted political attacks or alienating those who are resistant to climate activism. Other groups don’t yet see their mission being related to climate crisis. That’s okay. It’s all good work. See my final tip if there are no climate groups where you are.
- Choose a group to join. Look for a group whose purpose aligns with your values and whose culture feels right for you. Feel free to shop around if you have options. Finding a good fit and developing some friendships will help you stay engaged.
- Offer what you can. You can support groups in many ways, regardless of who you are. There are many ways to help. Join as a member. Donate money, a meeting space, or some other resource. Advocate for the policies they support. Share your ideas, expertise, time, and talents. Volunteer for outreach events. Offer what feels right, but there’s much to be gained by venturing out of your comfort zone and learning new skills and talents.
- Expand your influence. With time you will learn much and develop new organizing and civic engagement skills. At some point you may find you are ready to take on a leadership role in the organization. Or, you may want to expand your reach by working with other groups as your interests and abilities grow.
- Be patient AND ambitious. One the one hand, be patient with yourself and others. We are, after all, taking on an immense challenge! On the other hand, we need ambitious goals given the speed and scale at which action is needed. The point of tension where these two guidelines intersect is where you and your group can make the greatest difference.
- No climate groups where you are? Start one! Every effective organization started with someone like you who was motivated to make positive change happen. Now more than ever before, there are many tools and tips available for how to start a group within your community. Learn about the groups that you wish to emulate, and reach out to their leadership for advice. Some organizations are statewide or nationwide and can help you start a local chapter. No need to reinvent the wheel!
Groups in Alabama
All of the following groups are working on the climate crisis and/or environmental justice in Alabama. Some have a local agenda, others are part of a national or international organization. List is alphabetized.
I don’t know of any existing list like this, so I apologize if I have left off a group that should be listed here. Please send information about any Alabama groups I missed to sduncan@bsc.edu.
Alabama for a Green New Deal. “Alabama for a Green New Deal is a network of individuals and organizations united under a common banner of social, environmental, and climate justice.” This group is the local chapter of the Gulf South for a Green New Deal which is described below.
Alabama Rivers Alliance. “Alabama Rivers Alliance is a statewide network of groups working to protect and restore all of Alabama’s water resources through building partnerships, empowering citizens, and advocating for sound water policy and its enforcement.” ARA does significant advocacy for climate wise policies and adaptations throughout the state.
Alabama Interfaith Power and Light. “The mission of IPL is to be faithful stewards of Creation by responding to Climate Change through the promotion of environmental justice, energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy from a faith perspective.” Interfaith Power and Light is a national organization with chapters throughout the US.
Black Belt Citizens Fighting for Health and Justice. Based in Uniontown, AL, BBCHJ advocates for social and environmental justice throughout the Black Belt region.
CHESS. “Africatown-C.H.E.S.S. exists to ensure that the Africatown community, in Mobile, Alabama is Clean, Healthy, Educated, Safe, & Sustainable. Through our partnership with the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ), the HBCU-CBO Gulf Coast Equity Consortium, and the Kellogg Foundation, we will implement strategies and the best practices to improve the quality of life in our regions most underserved areas.”
Citizen Climate Lobby. An international organization, CCL “is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy climate change organization focused on national policies to address climate change.” There are 5 chapters in Alabama.
Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice. CREEJ works to “reduce health and economic disparities and improve access to clean air, water, and soil in marginalized rural communities by influencing policy, inspiring innovation, catalyzing relevant research, and amplifying the voices of community leaders, all within the context of a changing climate.”
GASP, Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution. “Our mission is to advance healthy air & environmental justice in the greater-Birmingham area through education, advocacy, and collaboration. We envision a healthy, just, and sustainable Alabama for everyone who lives, works, learns, and worships here. We strive to reduce air pollution, to educate the public on the health risks associated with poor air quality and to encourage community leaders to serve as role models for clean air and clean energy development.” GASP recently launched a new campaign, Birmingham for a Green New Deal.
Gulf Coast Center for Law and Policy. “GCCLP advances structural shifts toward ecological equity and climate justice in Gulf South communities of color on the frontline of climate change.”
Gulf Coast Creation Care. GCCC’s mission is “to focus the Gulf Coast community’s moral attention on our ecological crisis and to mobilize all people toward bold and just action. We are an organization based on volunteerism and a consensus process for decision-making, that works collaboratively to provide a place for those in our community for whom faith and environment are intimately braided.”
Gulf South for a Green New Deal. “Gulf South for a Green New Deal (#GulfSouth4GND) is a regional formation of more than 200 organizations advancing long-existing work towards climate, racial, and economic justice in five states across the Gulf South: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida.”
Hometown Action. “We envision inclusive, revitalized, and sustainable communities built through multiracial working class organizing and leadership development at the local and state level to create opportunities for all people to thrive. We will do this by: fighting corporate power, developing small town and rural leaders, and transforming politics for our movement.”
Mobile Environmental Justice Action Coalition. “The Mobile Environmental Justice Action Coalition was formed in 2013 with the mission to engage and organize with Mobile’s most threatened communities in order to defend the inalienable rights to clean air, water, soil, health, and safety and to take direct action when government fails to do so, ensuring community self-determination.”
People Against Neighborhood Industrial Contamination. “The purpose of PANIC is to bring relief from the contamination of our communities – Fairmont, Harriman Park, Collegeville and North Birmingham.”
Sierra Club, Alabama Chapter. “Alabama Sierra Club’s 3500 members have helped fight for clean water, for Forever Wild and to make Alabama a cleaner, safer place for all of us. And we hike, and bike and bird-watch. Join us to help clean up Alabama and to get outside and enjoy nature.” There are six groups in the Alabama chapter.
Southeast Climate and Energy Network. SCEN’s “mission is to confront the climate crisis by creating strategic alignment, growing capacity, and building power among member organizations and their communities in the Southeastern United States.”
Southern Environmental Law Center. SELC’s mission is “to protect the basic right to clean air, clean water, and a livable climate; to preserve our region’s natural treasures and rich biodiversity; and to provide a healthy environment for all.”
Sunrise Movement-Huntsville Hub. “The Sunrise Movement is a youth movement to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs in the process. We’re building an army of young people to make climate change an urgent priority across America, end the corrupting influence of fossil fuel executives on our politics, and elect leaders who stand up for the health and wellbeing of all people.”
The Nature Conservancy Alabama Chapter. “The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Our vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives. The vision for the Nature Conservancy is a world in which people and nature thrive.” Adapting and mitigating climate change is a central focus of the work done by the Alabama Chapter.
The People’s Justice Council. TPJC’s vision is to “create a just world one corner at a time – a world that is equitable and sustainable, with a just economy, that is harmonious with people, planet and profit.” To accomplish this they “engage and equip communities with tools to fight for justice. Alabama is the launching point for our work and initiatives.”
Waterkeepers Alabama. “Waterkeeper Alliance works to ensure every community worldwide has drinkable, fishable, swimmable water. Waterkeepers Alabama, a Regional Entity of Waterkeeper Alliance, launched in 2018 to further connect and support Waterkeeper organizations on waterways that flow through and across Alabama.”